By Emmanuel Enebeli
KWALE/Nigeria: As part of activities marking the 20th anniversary of Ndokwa Vanguard Newspaper, themed “Preserving the Past, Empowering the Future,” the Ndokwa Media Professionals Forum (NMPF) has applauded the publication for its unwavering dedication to community journalism and the consistent projection of the Ndokwa people’s voice over the past two decades.
Speaking on behalf of NMPF, Mr. Bartholomew Ozah, a respected journalist and media development advocate, described the newspaper’s journey as a remarkable example of resilience, vision, and service to humanity. He praised the publisher and management of Ndokwa Vanguard, Uncle Alaska Ekele, for sustaining the platform for 20 years, a feat he said is both rare and commendable in the Nigerian media space.
“Publishing a newspaper for two decades is no small task,” Ozah stated to the applause of participants. “When you pick up a newspaper, it’s not just paper, it represents sacrifice, professionalism, and a long process of creativity and hard work. What Ndokwa Vanguard has done is worthy of celebration and support.”
He emphasized that the founding vision of Ndokwa Vanguard , to give the Ndokwa people a voice, remains as relevant today as it was two decades ago. According to him, the publication has chronicled the region’s challenges, progress, and aspirations, thereby preserving the history and identity of the Ndokwa Nation.
However, Ozah lamented that the Ndokwa people have yet to fully embrace the newspaper as their collective voice. “Our political class, community leaders, and people must see Ndokwa Vanguard as their own. The press reflects the community it serves. What we contribute as a people determines what the media can project to the wider world,” he said.
He urged Ndokwa leaders to leverage the power of the media in advancing the region’s development agenda, noting that the press remains a vital tool for advocacy and change. “The media can fight battles that ordinary people cannot. “Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter”, was made by Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States and principal author of the Declaration of Independence, that’s the power of the press. The media speaks for the people and can influence government decisions in their favour,” Ozah added.
Clarifying misconceptions about journalism in the social media era, Ozah stressed that professionalism in the field goes beyond online commentary. “Not everyone who posts on social media is a journalist. Journalism requires training — at least a diploma in Mass Communication or Journalism. That’s what separates professionals from mere commentators,” he explained.
He commended the management of Ndokwa Vanguard for complementing its anniversary with the launch of a ₦145 million Research and Documentation Centre, describing it as a strategic step toward institutionalizing Ndokwa’s historical preservation and strengthening research-based journalism.
“This initiative aligns perfectly with the anniversary theme, ‘Preserving the Past, Empowering the Future.’ It shows that Ndokwa Vanguard is not just celebrating history but building for the future, a future where Ndokwa voices will continue to resonate,” he said.
While congratulating the publisher for his courage, vision, and consistency, Ozah called on all Ndokwa stakeholders to rally around the publication. “If this kind of event were happening elsewhere, the political and community leaders would use it to engage and project their interests. We must do the same for Ndokwa Vanguard,” he urged.
He concluded by reaffirming NMPF’s solidarity and support for the publication: “On behalf of the Ndokwa Media Professionals Forum, we say congratulations. May your ink never dry, and may Ndokwa Vanguard continue to grow from strength to strength.”
